Former Manchester United captain and fiery ITV pundit Roy Keane has launched a blistering attack on the England national team, accusing them of reverting to their 'old ways' following their laboured victory over minnows Andorra.
Despite a 5-0 scoreline that looks convincing on paper, Keane was far from impressed with the manner of the Three Lions' performance in their Euro 2024 qualifying match. The Irish hardman, known for his no-nonsense opinions, claimed the display was a significant step backwards.
Keane's Scathing Half-Time Analysis
Working as a pundit for ITV, Keane did not mince his words during his half-time analysis. He criticised the team's tempo, movement, and overall approach, suggesting a lack of progression from previous eras. His co-pundits, including Ian Wright, were seen reacting with surprise to the ferocity of his critique.
Keane's central argument was that against a team ranked 164th in the world, England should have been demonstrating a modern, dynamic, and ruthless style of play. Instead, he witnessed a performance he deemed sluggish and predictable.
Contrasting Opinions in the Studio
The segment highlighted a classic clash of punditry perspectives. While Keane saw a cause for major concern, others attempted to contextualise the performance, noting the artificial pitch and the challenge of breaking down a team that deployed every player behind the ball.
However, Keane remained steadfast, dismissing any excuses and holding the star-studded England side to the highest possible standard. His comments have since ignited a fierce debate among fans and commentators on social media.
The victory, secured with goals from Bukayo Saka, Ben Chilwell, Tammy Abraham, James Ward-Prowse, and Jack Grealish, ultimately ensured England maintained their perfect record in the qualifying group. Yet, for Roy Keane, the performance overshadowed the result, raising questions about the team's readiness for sterner tests ahead.
